Packaging and applicator for skin care product

ABSTRACT

Packaging for a consumer healthcare product that may be applied with an applicator sold with the packaging. The applicator is configured to mate with and thereby to be coupled with a portion of the packaging. The portion of the packaging to which the applicator is coupled may be a rigid portion and/or a stock item. In one embodiment, the applicator has a coupling element that extends around a cap of the packaging to couple the applicator to the cap in a substantially secure manner. The applicator may specifically be designed for manipulation by the user&#39;s fingers, and may be ergonomically formed to facilitate manipulation and use thereof by application of finger pressure (e.g., pressure from the user&#39;s index finger) thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to packaging for a consumer healthcareproduct, such as a skin care product, and a complementary applicator forthe skin care product associated with such packaging. More particularly,the present invention relates to packaging for a consumer healthcareproduct with an applicator configured to mate with and to be coupled tosuch packaging.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various products, such as cleaning products (e.g., for articles such asupholstery, floors, cars, or for humans, such as skin, teeth, hair), areadvantageously used with an applicator that is used to apply the productto a surface. Such applicators may conveniently be sold with thepackaging for the products with which the applicator is intended to beused. For additional convenience, such applicators may be coupled to thepackaging so that the applicator remains with the packaging when storedfor future use. Thus, the applicator for a particular product remainswith the packaging for the product and is available for use with theproduct as desired.

An applicator for a product which preferably is used with suchapplicator may be coupled to the packaging for such product in any of avariety of manners. For instance, as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,008,164to Herman et al. and 3,565,541 to Vallis, a brush type applicator may becoupled to a container (such as a receptacle or can) containing theproduct to be applied with such brush via coupling arms (such as springfingers or arms of a clamping sleeve) which extend greater than halfwayaround the circumference of the container. The combination dispenser andcleaning brush of U.S. Pat. No. 2,257,606 to Herbert has a brushapplicator that is mounted to the cap of the container. The container inthese applicator/packaging combinations may be used as a handle for theapplicator, the applicator remaining coupled to the container duringuse. The applicators of these patents are each maintained on theexterior of a container for use as needed. It will be appreciated,however, that the applicators of these packaging/applicator combinationsare generally not intended for individual use separate from thepackaging. Accordingly, these packaging/applicator combinations are notparticularly suited for use with products that preferably are appliedwith fine control, such as applicators that are to be manipulated withthe user's fingers rather than being gripped in the palm of the user'shand.

Product containers that are specifically shaped to removably receive aportion of an applicator for applying the product in the container arealso known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,453 to Bell etal. shows a container that has grooves specifically designed to receiveportions of the applicator handle. And, U.S. patent D623,077 illustratesa container with a recess for receiving a scrub pad. The applicatoraccompanying both of these packagings may be removed, as desired, fromthe container to apply product from the container to a surface, and maybe returned to coupled engagement with the container for storage. As maybe appreciated, both of these applicator/packaging combinations havecustom-shaped containers that are uniquely configured to receive aportion of the applicator selected to apply the product therein.Formation of containers to accommodate an applicator may result inincreased overall container size to compensate of the loss of containervolume resulting from the mating feature for receiving at least aportion of the applicator. Additionally, the applicators of theseapplicator/packaging combinations are uniquely shaped for mating with aparticular container, and are not designed for being coupled to a stockcontainer (i.e., one that is not custom-made for coupling with theapplicator). Thus, added costs may be incurred for custom designing boththe applicator and the container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with principles of the present invention, a consumerhealthcare product is contained within packaging that is configured tomate with and thereby to be coupled with an applicator for such consumerhealthcare product. In accordance with one embodiment, the applicator isconfigured to mate with and thereby to be coupled with at least aportion of the packaging. Such container may have a substantially rigidelement, and such applicator may be configured to be coupled with suchrigid element in a substantially secure manner. In one embodiment, thecontainer portion of the packaging is a tube and the rigid element ofthe packaging is a cap. The applicator in such embodiment has arms thatextend around the cap to couple the applicator to the cap in asubstantially secure manner.

The portion of the packaging to which the applicator (for applying thecontents of the packaging) may be coupled advantageously may be a stockitem that is not customized for the applicator. Instead, the applicatoris customized for the stock item. As used herein, the term “stock” itemis to be understood as one of ordinary skill in the art would understandsuch term, i.e., as an item which is commonly made for inventory (andstored until desired by a consumer for purchase) as well as forimmediate sale to any of a variety of customers. As such, stock itemsare typically frequently ordered items, whether sold to one or manycustomers, and may be available from various sources as well (since theshape is not necessarily unique and therefore often not proprietary). Astock item may be contrasted with a non-stock item which is notmanufactured for general purchase and stored, but, rather, is procuredor made when needed, such as a custom-made or made-to-order item madeaccording to a particular purchaser's specifications. Because variousstock packaging for consumer healthcare products and the like exist,whereas applicators for the particular consumer healthcare product mayhave more particular specifications and thus require customization, theuse of stock packaging (or at least a portion of the packaging)simplifies manufacture and reduces costs of a combined packaging andapplicator formed in accordance with principles of the present inventionby reducing the number of customized components by at least one.

In accordance with a separate and independent aspect of the presentinvention which may advantageously be applied to the applicator of theabove-described packaging and applicator combination, an applicator maybe formed with arm elements configured to facilitate holding andstabilizing of the applicator during use. Such arms may alsoadvantageously be shaped and configured to couple the applicator to thepackaging. In one embodiment, the applicator may further beergonomically formed by having an ergonomically configured applicatorhead shaped and configured to receive a user's finger to optimally usethe applicator to apply the consumer healthcare product contained withinthe packaging to which the applicator may be advantageously coupled.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will bereadily apparent from the following detailed description of theinvention, the scope of the invention being set out in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters representlike elements, as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packaging and accompanyingcomplementary applicator coupled thereto in accordance with principlesof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of the complementary applicator ofFIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an applicator such as may be used in thecombined packaging and applicator illustrated in FIG. 1, showing auser-engaging surface of the working end.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary embodiment, formed in accordance with principles of thepresent invention, of a packaging 100 for a product, such as a consumerhealthcare product (e.g., skin care, wound care, oral care, hair care,etc.), and an accompanying applicator 200 for applying such product isillustrated in FIGS. 1-3. Exemplary packaging 100 is illustrated asincluding a container 102 in the form of a tube, with a closure 104 inthe form of a cap. However, other types of packaging may be used inaccordance with the present invention, as will be discussed in furtherdetail below. Applicator 200 is illustrated as having a proximal end 202coupled to packaging 100, a distal end 204 forming the working end ofapplicator 200, and a neck or extension 206 (hereinafter “extension” forthe sake of convenience, without intent to limit) therebetween. It willbe appreciated, however, that other configurations of applicator 200 arewithin the scope of the present invention, as will be discussed ingreater detail below.

Container 102 may be any type of container suited for containing aconsumer healthcare product (e.g., a skincare product, a wound careproduct, an oral care product, a hair care product, etc.). Preferably,as discussed in further detail below, container 102 is a stock itemavailable to the general public for purchase on demand and does not haveany particular features uniquely designed to receive, to mate with, orotherwise to be coupled with an applicator. For instance, exemplarycontainer 102 of FIGS. 1-3 is a common tube, as well known in the art.Depending on the product to be contained therein, container 102 may besufficiently flexible to be squeezed by a user's hand or fingers todispense product therefrom.

Closure 104 may be any type of closure which suitably closes thedispensing end of container 102 to maintain the product therein. Likecontainer 102, closure 104 preferably also is a stock item, as wellknown in the art, and may be any type of closure such as, withoutlimitation, a threaded or snap-on cap (which typically is completelyremoved from container 102 to dispense product from container 102) or aflip-top cap (such as with a living hinge to maintain the cap coupledwith the packaging even when the cap is in an open configuration toallow for dispensing of product from container 102).

Proximal end 202 of exemplary applicator 200 of FIGS. 1-3 includes acoupling element 210 shaped and configured to couple applicator 200 topackaging 100. As may be appreciated, distal end 204 of applicator 200is coupled to packaging 100 via proximal end 202 and is not directlycoupled to packaging 100. Distal end 204 of exemplary applicator 200 ofFIGS. 1-3 carries or is formed with an applicator element 220 configuredto apply product from packaging 100 to a surface (e.g., the user'sskin). In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, applicator element 220faces away from packaging 100, opposite the direction in which couplingelement 210 extends to couple applicator 200 to packaging 100. As such,packaging 100 need not be specifically shaped or configured to receiveor otherwise to accommodate applicator element 220. Exemplary applicatorelement 220 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 is a brush with a plurality oftufts 222 of bristles. For use with a skincare product, the bristles oftufts 222 may be made of PBT (polyester) resins that are tapered, thetaper occurring over approximately 40% the bristle length. Standardtoothbrush stapling technology may be used to form and to anchor tufts222 to base 224 of applicator element 220, with staples punched from,e.g., stainless steel roll stock. It will be appreciated that applicatorelement 220 may be any type of applicator element, preferably formed andselected to apply the product contained in packaging 100 in a suitablemanner. For instance, applicator element 220 may be a foam applicator ora single tuft of elongated bristles (in contrast with the shorterbristles of the multiple tufts of the illustrated brush), or adisposable pad. Alternatively, distal end 204 may be formed as a rigidelement which is preferably shaped and configured to apply the productcontained within packaging 100 to a surface.

In accordance with principles of the present invention, applicator 200is shaped and configured to be coupled with at least a portion ofpackaging 100, and preferably to be maintained in coupled engagementwith packaging 100. In one embodiment, applicator 200 is shaped andconfigured specifically to mate with (e.g., by corresponding in shape orother features to result in coupling of applicator 200 and packaging100) at least a portion of packaging 100 and to be coupled therewith. Inthe embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, proximal end 202 of applicator 200 isconfigured for engaging with, and preferably mating with, at least aportion of packaging 100. Distal end 204, extending from proximal end202 via extension 206, may be free from direct engagement with packaging100 if the coupling of proximal end 202 with packaging 100 issufficiently secure. Thus, distal end 204 need not contact or otherwisebe engaged with packaging 100, as proximal end 202 sufficiently coupledapplicator 200 to packaging 100. However, it will be appreciated thatany other portion of applicator 200 (or more than one portion ofapplicator 200) may be configured for coupling applicator 200 topackaging 100.

As noted above, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention,applicator 200 preferably is shaped and configured based on a common,stock packaging (such term as may be understood by one of ordinary skillin the art as defined above, i.e., as a standard item that has not beformed, shaped, configured, or otherwise manufactured with anyparticular customer specifications and therefore does not have anyspecific feature shaped or configured for receiving or otherwise beingcoupled with an applicator or other element) which is not specificallyshaped, configured, formed, or otherwise customized for use in thepresent invention. Examples of such stock include but not limited totube, bottle or any other container along with its complementaryclosures, suitable for liquid or cream based materials and currentlycommonly available to the general public for purchase. Instead, couplingelement 210 of applicator 200 is specifically shaped and configured tobe coupled to at least a portion of packaging 100. In the exemplaryembodiment of FIGS. 1-3, coupling element 210 is shaped and configuredto be coupled to and preferably to mate with closure 104, whichpreferably is a standard closure of a common shape. The outer surface ofclosure 104 preferably does not contribute to the coupling of applicator200 thereto, and may be smooth or ribbed or have any other desiredsurface texture. As such, a unique mold is not required for such closure104, and preferably the only customized element of the present inventionis applicator 200.

It will be appreciated that use of a stock closure does not limit theshape of closure 104 to have a particular shape or configuration orouter surface selected to mate with or complement applicator 200,coupling element 210 of applicator 200 being shaped and configured toconform to closure 104 for coupling therewith. Preferably, couplingelement 210 is shaped and configured for coupling to closure 104 fromany side of closure 104. Coupling element 210 may be shaped toaccommodate protrusions or recesses, such as living hinges, grooves,crevices or ridges for facilitating grasping of closure 104 (such as toopen a flip-top cap), yet still engage with the outer surface of closure104 to be coupled thereto. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, coupling element 210 has a recessed area 211 andcontainer-engaging surfaces 212 a, 212 b preferably adjacent recessedarea 211. As such, exemplary coupling element 210 of FIGS. 1-3 mayreadily be coupled to a variety of stock closures, including flip-topclosures with living hinges that protrude somewhat, from any side of theclosure.

Preferably, for reasons as will become evident, a closure with asubstantially symmetrical cross-sectional shape (at least about oneplane in which a longitudinal axis L of packaging 100 lies) is selectedfor design of a complementary-shaped coupling element 210. For example,closure 104 may have a circular cross-section and may generally bereadily available for purchase from any one of a number of suppliers(i.e., a closure 104 is a stock closure with circular cross-section). Itwill be appreciated that closures of other standard shapes may be usedinstead, applicator 200, particularly coupling element 210, beingadapted for coupling with the stock closure 104. For instance, a closurewith an oval or square cross-sectional shape may be used.

In an embodiment in which packaging 100 has a rigid as well as aflexible element (such as packaging 100 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3),applicator 200 preferably is configured for engaging with and preferablymating with the more rigid portion of packaging 100 so that preferably amore secure coupling of applicator 200 with packaging 100 is achieved.In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, container 102 of packaging 100 is atube, and thus typically is flexible (to facilitate application ordispensing of the product contained therein), and closure 104 typicallyis more rigid than container 102, and typically considered to besubstantially rigid (i.e., does not readily flex upon application ofpressure thereto during normal use of packaging 100). Thus, at least aportion of applicator 200 preferably is shaped and configured forcoupling with closure 104 of packaging 100. As such, a stock tube may beused for container 102 without any particular feature for coupling withor otherwise receiving applicator 200.

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, coupling element 210(provided at proximal end 202 of exemplary applicator 200) is shaped andconfigured to extend around at least a portion of closure 104 ofpackaging 100. An exemplary configuration of coupling element 210 may beappreciated with reference to the end view of applicator 200 illustratedin FIG. 2, showing the curvature of coupling element 210. As may beappreciated, the curvature of coupling element 210 preferably isselected to complement (such as substantially matching) the curvature ofthe portion of packaging 100 to which applicator 200 is to be coupled.In the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the curvature of couplingelement 210 preferably is selected to complement (such as bysubstantially matching) the curvature of closure 104 of packaging 100.Although various coupling elements (such as a groove and snap-in bead)may be provided to couple applicator 100 and packaging 200, couplingelement 210 may simply be formed to extend sufficiently around thecircumference of closure 104 to couple applicator 100 thereto in asubstantially secure manner so that applicator 100 does not readilydisengage from closure 104. It will be appreciated that such extensionsof coupling element 210 about closure 104 of packaging 100 is generallydictated by the properties of the material from which coupling element210, is formed. For instance, the more flexible the material of couplingelement 210, the greater the extent coupling element 210 may extendabout closure 104, since greater flexing of coupling element 210 toremove it from engagement with closure 104 may be achieved with reducedrisk of breaking coupling element 210. Conversely, the more rigid thematerial of coupling element 200, the lesser the extent coupling element210 may extent about closure 104 to avoid the risk of a more brittlematerial cracking upon removal of applicator 200 from packaging 100.According to the present invention, typical materials from which theapplicator can be formed are characterized by having a density fromabout 0.88 to about 1.70 g/cm³, a melt flow from about 0.2 to about 50g/10 min @ (230° C./2.16 kg), a tensile strength from about 12 to about369 MPa, an elongation from about 3.5 to about 35% and a Notched izodimpact from about 4 to about 90 J/m at 23° C. In one embodiment,coupling element 210 is formed of polypropylene resin, preferably aclarified grade polypropylene homopolymer. Preferably, coupling element210 extends at least approximately 50% of the originalcircumference/perimeter. In order to facilitate repeated coupling to andremoval from packaging 100, coupling element 210 preferably does notextend more than approximately 99% about closure 104.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, coupling element210 includes one or more coupling arms 214 a, 214 b (collectivelycoupling arms 214, for the sake of convenience and without intent tolimit) that are curved to extend around the circumference of closure104. It will be appreciated that other shapes or forms of couplingelement 210 are within the scope of the present invention, such shapesor forms preferably being selected to complement or correspond to theouter dimension of the element (e.g., closure 104) of packaging 100 withwhich applicator 200 is to be coupled. Only a portion of coupling arms214 a, 214 b needs to mate with or at least somewhat conform to theouter shape of closure 104 to couple applicator 200 with closure 104.Although the coupling arms 214 a, 214 b of exemplary coupling element204 substantially match the outer shape and dimension of closure 104 andmate with closure 104, it will be appreciated that coupling arms 214 a,214 b of coupling element 210 may conform to only a portion of the outershape of closure 104 or need not conform to the outer shape of closure104 at all so long as coupling arms 214 a, 214 b may couple applicator200 to closure 104.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, which may beapplied separately from or in conjunction with any of the other aspectsof the present invention (described herein, either above or below),coupling element 210 may comprise one or more elements that not onlycouple applicator 200 to packaging 100, but also facilitate use ofapplicator 200. Advantageously, exemplary coupling arms 214 a, 214 bpreferably may be shaped and configured to facilitate grasping ormanipulation of applicator 100 during use, and, specifically, may beergonomically shaped and configured for optimal comfort during use. Assuch, coupling element 210 define a receiving area 215 (e.g., an areabetween coupling arms 214 a, 214 b) shaped and dimensioned to receive atleast a portion of packaging 100 or at least a portion of a user's hand.It will be appreciated that the manner of using applicator 100 (and thusthe portion of the user's hand to be received in receiving area 215 ofcoupling element 210) typically depends on the product contained withinpackaging 100 and which applicator 100 is intended to apply. Forinstance, if packaging 100 contains a skin care product such as a facialproduct (e.g., a scrub or exfoliator or acne product or other productintended to be applied with a brush), then applicator 100 may be sizedfor grasping with the user's hand, and, typically with the user'sfingers (in contrast with being held in the palm of the user's hand). Assuch, coupling arms 214 a, 214 b preferably are sized and shaped forcomfortable grasping with the user's fingers. For instance, couplingarms 214 a, 214 b may be sized and shaped to extend about one or morefingers, such as the user's index finger, with one arm being graspedbetween such finger and the adjacent thumb and the other arm beinggrasped or stabilized between such finger and the adjacent middlefinger. Preferably, for improved handling and manipulation, couplingarms 214 a, 214 b are sized and shaped to receive only one finger(typically the index finger). One of ordinary skill in the art mayreadily determine particular dimensions of coupling arms 214 a, 214 bfor grasping with the user's fingers, such as with reference to publiclyavailable anthropometric data, such as the 1988 Anthropometric Survey ofU.S. Army Personnel: Summary Statistics Interim Report, Technical ReportNATICK/TR-89-027, March 1989, United States Army Natick Research,Development and Engineering Center, Natick, Mass. For instance, average(50^(th) percentile) female index finger width measured at the proximaljoint is 1.98 cm, the 5^(th) percentile being 1.78 cm, and the 95^(th)percentile being 2.20 cm; average (50^(th) percentile) female fingerwidth measured at the distal joint is 1.72 cm, the 5^(th) percentilebeing 1.54 cm, and the 95^(th) percentile being 1.94 cm; and the average(50^(th) percentile) female index finger circumference measured at thedistal joint is 5.09 cm, the 5^(th) percentile being 4.77 cm, and the95^(th) percentile being 5.40 cm. Average (50^(th) percentile) maleindex finger width measured at the proximal joint is 7.17 cm, the 5^(th)percentile being 6.79 cm, and the 95^(th) percentile being 7.75 cm;average (50^(th) percentile) male finger width measured at the distaljoint is 2.39 cm, the 5^(th) percentile being 2.19 cm, and the 95^(th)percentile being 2.64 cm; and average (50^(th) percentile) male indexfinger circumference measured at the distal joint is 5.72 cm, the 5^(th)percentile being 5.48 cm, and the 95^(th) percentile being 6.03 cm. Itwill be appreciated that if a stock closure is used, the size of stockclosure is preferably selected to permit formation of an applicator 200with a coupling element 210 with the desired dimensions and shapes tofacilitate grasping or manipulation of applicator 100 during use inaccordance with this aspect of the present invention. Preferably, thespace formed between coupling arms 214 a, 214 b is at leastapproximately 1.94 cm and up to approximately 2.585 cm in diameter,fitting 95% of the female and male index fingers and thus permittingusers to have increased control of applicator 200 during use to targetspecific areas (e.g., of the face) while applying just right force (toapply the product and also to reduce pain and irritation as a result ofthe force of application). Preferably, coupling arms 214 a, 214 b aresymmetrical for equally comfortable right or left handed use.

It will be appreciated that the flexibility or rigidity of coupling arms214 a and 214 b is not critical to the invention so long as couplingarms 214 a and 214 b function to couple applicator 200 to packaging 100.In particular, the rigidity or flexibility of coupling arms 214 a and214 b preferably is selected so that applicator 200 remains coupled topackaging 100 when packaging 100 is transported or otherwise moved. Inaddition, applicator 200 should be removable from packaging 100 for use,as desired, separate from packaging 100. If desired, coupling arms 214 aand 214 b may be flexible so that when a user's finger or fingers areinserted in receiving area 215 to use applicator 200, coupling arms 214a and 214 b may be flexed to increase user comfort in graspingapplicator 200.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, which may beapplied with any or all or none of the above-described aspects of thepresent invention, distal end 204 of applicator 200 may be specificallyshaped and configured for application of finger pressure thereto forapplication of the product contained within packaging 100. Thus, inaccordance with this aspect of the present invention, applicator 200 maybe a finger applicator configured to be implemented by application of auser's finger thereto to use applicator 200 to apply a material to asurface. As may be appreciated, it may be desirable to form a fingerapplicator in an ergonomic manner to facilitate application of a fingerthereto for manipulation thereof by a user's finger during its ordinaryuse and typically receives pressure or force applied by a user's fingeror fingertip. In particular, in accordance with this aspect of thepresent invention, user-engaging surface 228 of applicator element 220is shaped and configured to receive a finger tip, such as an indexfinger tip. For instance, the curvature of user engaging surface 228 ofapplicator element 220 may be curved about longitudinal axis L_(A) ofapplicator 200 to complement the curvature of average fingers orfingertips. According to the above-noted Anthropometric Survey, theaverage (50^(th) percentile) circumference of a female index fingermeasured at the distal joint is 50.8 mm, the 5^(th) percentile being47.752 mm, the 25^(th) percentile being 49.53 mm, the 75^(th) percentilebeing 58.42 mm, and the 95^(th) percentile being 53.848 mm; and theaverage (50^(th) percentile) width of a female index finger measured atthe distal joint is 17.272 mm, the 5^(th) percentile being 15.494 mm,the 25^(th) percentile being 16.51 mm, the 75^(th) percentile being18.034 mm, and the 95^(th) percentile being 19.558 mm. The average(50^(th) percentile) circumference of a male index finger measured atthe distal joint is 57.15 mm, the 5^(th) percentile being 54.864 mm, the25^(th) percentile being 56.134 mm, the 75^(th) percentile being 52.07mm, and the 95^(th) percentile being 60.198 mm; and the average (50^(th)percentile) width of a male index finger measured at the distal joint is17.78 mm, the 5^(th) percentile being 20.07 mm, the 25^(th) percentilebeing 19.05 mm, the 75^(th) percentile being 21.082 mm, and the 95^(th)percentile being 22.86 mm.

Preferably, applicator 200 has an extension 206 separating applicatorelement 220 and coupling element 210, thereby further contributing tothe overall ergonomic design of applicator 200. Specifically, ifcoupling element 210 is shaped and configured to receive a single fingerand to be grasped at least between such finger and the user's thumb, andif the fingertip of such single finger is to apply pressure toapplicator element 220, then applicator element 220 preferably is spacedapart from coupling element 210 to permit the user's finger to applyfingertip pressure to applicator element 220 and grasp coupling element220 between a more proximal region of that user's finger and theadjacent user's thumb with the user's finger at least somewhat extended(only partially bent). Extension 206 preferably is sized, shaped, anddimensioned to accommodate comfortably the extent of a user's indexfinger between the index fingertip and the more proximal region at whichthe adjacent thumb would comfortably grasp coupling element 210 withsuch region of the index finger. More particularly, the length ofapplicator 200 is selected to accommodate a portion of a finger betweenreceiving area 215 of coupling element 210 and user-engaging surface 228of applicator element 220. One of ordinary skill in the art would beable to determine optimal dimensions with reference to such data asprovided in the above-noted Anthropometric Survey (giving the average(50^(th) percentile) length of a female index finger as 6.9 m, the5^(th) percentile being 6.2 cm, and the 95^(th) percentile being 7.7 m;and the average (50^(th) percentile) length of a male index finger as7.5 cm, the 5^(th) percentile being 6.7 cm, and the 95^(th) percentilebeing 8.4 cm). Preferably, the total length of applicator 200 alongapplicator longitudinal axis L_(A) is at least approximately 4.2 cm andless than approximately 8.4 cm, fitting 95% of the female index fingersand thus permitting users to have increased control of applicator 200during use to target specific areas (e.g., of the face) while applyingjust right force (to apply the product and also to reduce pain andirritation as a result of the force of application).

When an ergonomically configured finger applicator is formed withergonomically-shaped coupling arms 214 a, 214 b for grasping couplingelement 210 during use, an overall advantageously ergonomic applicator200 is formed. It will be appreciated that the inner, packaging-facingsurfaces of applicator 200 are not necessarily shaped or configured tofacilitate coupling of applicator 200 to packaging 100. Accordingly,ergonomic configurations of any part of applicator 200 generally do notinterfere with the above-described aspect of the present invention ofcoupling or mating applicator 200 (and particularly coupling element 210of applicator 200) with packaging 100.

In one embodiment formed in accordance with various aspects of thepresent invention described above, packaging 100 is a tube containing aconsumer healthcare product such as a skin care product, and applicator200 has a brush type applicator element 220 with bristles properties(e.g., thickness, material, length, etc.) selected for optimalapplication of the skin care product to a user's face upon applicationof finger pressure (typically via the user's index finger) tofinger-receiving surface 228 of brush type applicator element 220. Ifdesired, the shape of applicator element 220 may be selected to benarrower at the distal-most end to facilitate access of the distal-mostend thereof to hard-to-reach areas, such as the corners of the user'snose. As may be appreciated, the configuration of applicator 200 may bealtered based on the consumer healthcare product to be contained withinpackaging 100, and preferably is selected to optimize application ofsuch consumer healthcare product.

It will be appreciated features described with respect to one embodimenttypically may be applied to another embodiment, whether or notexplicitly indicated. The various features hereinafter described may beused singly or in any combination thereof. Therefore, the presentinvention is not limited to only the embodiments specifically describedherein. The exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures has severalseparate and independent inventive features, which each, at least alone,has unique benefits which are desirable for, yet not critical to, thepresent invention. Therefore, the various separate features of thepresent invention need not all be present in order to achieve at leastsome of the desired characteristics and/or benefits of the presentinvention. One or more separate features may be combined, or only one ofthe various features need be present in a packaging and applicator setformed in accordance with principles of the present invention.

While the foregoing description and drawings represent exemplaryembodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that variousadditions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Inparticular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that thepresent invention may be embodied in other specific forms, structures,arrangements, proportions, and with other elements, materials, andcomponents, without departing from the spirit or essentialcharacteristics thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate that theinvention may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement,proportions, materials, and components and otherwise, used in thepractice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specificenvironments and operative requirements without departing from theprinciples of the present invention. For example, elements shown asintegrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shownas multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of elementsmay be reversed or otherwise varied, the size or dimensions of theelements may be varied. The presently disclosed embodiments aretherefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appendedclaims, and not limited to the foregoing description. In the claims, theterm “comprises/comprising” does not exclude the presence of otherelements or steps. Additionally, although individual features may beincluded in different claims, these may possibly advantageously becombined, and the inclusion in different claims does not imply that acombination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. Inaddition, singular references do not exclude a plurality.

What is claimed is:
 1. A packaging and applicator combinationcomprising: a packaging comprising a flexible tube and a closure morerigid than said tube; a consumer healthcare product within said tube anddispensed therefrom upon application of pressure from a user's fingersto said tube to flex said tube to squeeze out said consumer healthcareproduct; and an applicator having a distal applicator end, and acoupling element shaped and configured for coupling with said closure;wherein: said closure is a stock closure; said distal applicator end hasan applicator element with an applicator side selected for applicationof said consumer healthcare product to a surface, and a user-engagingsurface opposite said applicator side; said coupling element comprisesat least one coupling arm configured to extend around greater than halfthe circumference of said closure to couple said applicator to saidclosure independently of features of said closure retaining saidapplicator on said closure; and said coupling arm is shaped andconfigured to receive at least a portion of a user's hand to apply saidconsumer healthcare product upon application of pressure from saidportion of said user's hand to said applicator.
 2. A packaging andapplicator combination as in claim 1, wherein said stock closure has across-section with a substantially symmetrical geometric shape.
 3. Apackaging and applicator combination as in claim 2, wherein saidcoupling element comprises a pair of substantially symmetrical couplingarms shaped and configured to extend, together, about greater than halfthe circumference of said closure.
 4. A packaging and applicatorcombination as in claim 1, wherein said coupling element comprises apair of substantially symmetrical coupling arms shaped and configured toextend, together, about greater than half the circumference of saidclosure.
 5. A packaging and applicator combination as in claim 4,wherein: said consumer healthcare product is a skincare product; andsaid coupling arms of said applicator are shaped and configured toreceive a user's finger.
 6. A packaging and applicator combination as inclaim 5, wherein said user-engaging surface of said distal applicatorend is shaped and configured to receive a user's fingertip.
 7. Apackaging and applicator combination as in claim 1, wherein: saidconsumer healthcare product is a skincare product; and said couplingarms of said applicator are shaped and configured to receive a user'sfinger.
 8. A packaging and applicator combination as in claim 7, whereinsaid user-engaging surface of said distal applicator end is shaped andconfigured to receive a user's fingertip for application of pressurethereto to apply said skincare product to a user's skin.
 9. A packagingand applicator combination as in claim 1, wherein said applicatorfurther comprises an extension spacing apart said applicator elementfrom said coupling element.
 10. A packaging and applicator combinationas in claim 9, wherein said applicator element is coupled only to saidclosure, via only said coupling element.
 11. A packaging and applicatorcombination comprising: a packaging comprising a container and aclosure; a consumer healthcare product within said container; and anapplicator having a distal applicator end, and a coupling element shapedand configured for coupling with said closure; wherein: said distalapplicator end has an applicator side selected for application of saidconsumer healthcare product to a surface, and a user-engaging surfaceopposite said applicator side; said coupling element defines a receivingarea for receiving at least a portion of said packaging to couple saidapplicator to said packaging independently of features of saidpackaging; said receiving area of said coupling element is sized,shaped, and configured to receive only one of said user's fingers forgrasping a portion of said coupling element between said only one ofsaid user's fingers and an adjacent finger; and said applicator isremovable from said closure for use upon inserting at least a portion ofsaid only one of said user's finger in said receiving area to apply saidconsumer healthcare product upon application of pressure from thefingertip of said only one of said user's fingers to said user-engagingsurface of said distal applicator end.
 12. A packaging and applicatorcombination as in claim 11, wherein said coupling element comprises atleast one coupling arm configured to extend around the circumference ofa portion of said packaging.
 13. A packaging and applicator combinationas in claim 12, wherein said coupling arm is substantially rigid.
 14. Apackaging and applicator combination as in claim 11, wherein said atleast one coupling element is shaped and configured to extend greaterthan halfway around said closure.
 15. A packaging and applicatorcombination as in claim 11, wherein said coupling element issubstantially symmetrical about at least one plane of symmetry.
 16. Amethod of packaging a consumer healthcare product, said methodcomprising: selecting a packaging having a container and closure with atleast one of said container and closure being a stock item; forming anapplicator with a coupling element based on the shape of said stock itemso that said coupling element retains said applicator on said stockitem; providing a consumer healthcare product in said container; andforming said applicator for ergonomic grasping by a user's hand, afterremoval of said applicator from said packaging, to apply said consumerhealthcare product.
 17. A method as in claim 16, wherein forming saidapplicator further comprises: forming said applicator with a proximalend and a distal end; forming said coupling element at said proximalend; and forming an applicator element at said distal end.
 18. A methodas in claim 17, wherein forming said applicator for ergonomic graspingfurther comprises forming said coupling element to receive a portion ofa user's hand.
 19. A method as in claim 18, wherein forming saidapplicator for ergonomic grasping further comprises: forming saidcoupling element to receive a user's finger; and forming said applicatorelement to receive a fingertip of said user's finger.
 20. A method as inclaim 19, wherein forming said coupling element to receive a portion ofa user's hand comprises forming a receiving area in said couplingelement shaped to receive a portion of a user's hand and alternately toreceive said stock item.